'Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.' - Scott Adams

Intent 

At Chapelford Village Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum inspires pupils to explore, create and express themselves with confidence and imagination. 

Our curriculum is: 

Well Designed and Delivered, meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum and ensuring that all pupils have access to high-quality art experiences. Learning begins with strong foundations in the Early Years, where children are encouraged to explore materials, colour, texture and form through play and discovery. 

Knowledge-Rich, so that children develop a deep understanding of artistic techniques, styles, and cultural influences. As pupils progress through school, they build upon prior knowledge, learning how to experiment with materials, reflect on their work and talk about their artistic choices using precise vocabulary. 

Focused on Closing the Gap, as we regularly check what children already know and identify where additional support or challenge is needed. This ensures that all pupils, regardless of background or starting point, can achieve ambitious outcomes and grow in confidence as young artists. 

Bringing Learning to Life, by providing pupils with opportunities to experience art beyond the classroom — from studying a wide range of artists and designers to visiting local galleries and engaging with the artistic community. These experiences help pupils appreciate how art shapes our world and reflects our shared history and culture. 

Developing Independent, Creative Learners who are Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. Pupils are encouraged to take creative risks, support one another, and demonstrate resilience as they refine their ideas and work towards excellence. 

Ultimately, we want our children to love learning about art — to value creativity as an important part of who they are and how they see the world. 

Implementation 

Our Art and Design curriculum has been carefully structured to ensure that learning builds progressively from year to year. Clear progression maps outline the knowledge and skills pupils will develop at each stage, ensuring that they can recall, apply and extend what they have learned. 

Teachers plan each unit with precision, revisiting prior knowledge before introducing new content. Lessons are designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, encouraging them to think critically and creatively. 

In our art lessons at Chapelford, you will see: 

  • Children exploring and responding to the work of a wide range of artists, designers, and craftspeople. 

  • Adults modelling key artistic techniques such as brush control, colour mixing, or the safe use of tools and materials. 

  • Pupils experimenting with media, techniques, and processes to produce diverse, individual outcomes. 

  • Opportunities for pupils to discuss and reflect on their work and that of others, developing a language of art critique and appreciation. 

  • Dedicated time for feedback and reflection, often recorded in sketchbooks that show each child’s creative journey. 

  • A classroom environment where risk-taking is encouraged, mistakes are valued as part of the process, and every idea is seen as a starting point for growth. 

Impact 

We regularly review the impact of our Art and Design curriculum to ensure that pupils are achieving the intended outcomes. Teachers assess learning through sketchbook evidence, observation, questioning, and short knowledge checks within lessons. 

Prior learning reviews, end-of-unit reflections and pupil voice activities help us understand what children remember and how well they are applying their skills. Subject leaders and senior staff use this information to monitor standards and ensure consistency across the school. 

Pupils’ artwork is celebrated throughout the year, in sketchbooks, displays, and exhibitions that showcase their imagination and progress. Parents are kept informed through annual reports and opportunities to view their child’s work. 

At Chapelford Village Primary School, we are proud that our pupils leave us as confident, reflective and creative individuals who recognise the power of art to express ideas, tell stories and shape the world around them. 

Art Documents

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Click on the National Curriculum image for the National Curriculum programme of study for Art and Design.